Lowry-McKee Photography (Imagine Images Inc) weddings is the work of owners/photographers Rick
McKee and Tara Lowry, our combination provides images from a portrait artist
and a wedding photojournalist. We feel that this is the best way to capture
wedding images, it is the best of both worlds. This also provides our clients
with a lot to choose from. While we do not count images, we do not undershoot
and we do not overshoot, our clients receive anywhere 500 to 700 images. Because
we are 2 photographers, as well as a male/female team, our two styles show
throughout our wedding stories. They blend to tell an artistic, complete,
elegant story. The following are some of my thoughts on photographic value
and tips on finding the right photographer. I hope they help in your search
in finding the right artist(s) to capture such an important day.
Sincerely
---- Tara Lowry
Your wedding photography tells the story of one of the most important days
of your life. When looking for a photographer, you want someone whom you have
a good connection with. A professional photographer shows great work and is
an artist. As a bride or groom, you want something that is unique for your
wedding images. To be honest, the business of wedding photography is vast.
There is a lot of talent, and a lot of salesmen out there in the business
of capturing your wedding day. Remember that you have one day and one shot
at great wedding images, these images are what you pass around the table to
friends, these are what you show your children and grandchildren. These are
what you look back on to reminisce about the day you tied the knot. So look
for a photographer, who has experience, is an artist, and someone who you
feel comfortable with from a professional stand point as well as photographic
ability. When searching first don't look at price, find photographers with
styles and quality that you like. Then look at price, then look at your budget,
then see if you can fit these photographers into your budget. In most cases
you can hire photographers for their time and buy an album later, look for
values. Or "charge it", use the frequent flyer miles for the honeymoon.
In some cases photographers may be able to work with your budget. While you
can always find a less expensive photographer, they may not have the quality
or ability. Remember most photographers can capture a few good images, only
accomplished photographers can capture a lot of great images.
*How
important is photography to me?
This question is the first one you should ask and I can't answer it for you.
I have spoken to a lot of brides to be and brides that were-those that haven
chosen us to capture their day and many that haven't, their friends, daughters,
acquaintances, wedding guests some that have had great experiences and others
that didn't get exactly what they had expected and yes I have spoken to former
brides that have had a miserable photography experience (the later I am happy
to say was not us). One thing that all former brides say is that their album
is what they pass around the table years later when they look back on that
day. Personally, I think that at the end of the day when everyone looks back
the look at the memories, the moments where they cried and laughed and said
"I do" their looking at their wedding images.
*Do
I want a photojournalistic approach, portrait approach or a combination of
both?
It's all up to preference. I think weddings are one of the few times that
we all get together and it is a great time to get photos with parents, grandparents,
siblings, etc. Also I love those stunning portraits that take your breath
away. It's candid photographs that tell the story and make us laugh.
I never look good in pictures what can I do?
This is an issue of feeling comfortable with your photographer and this is
why it is important to talk to your photographer and see that you click. There
is a relationship that you need to have with your photographer. You need to
feel comfortable with whoever you choose to capture such an important time
in your life. They should be receptive to what you want but also be creative
with a style that is comparable to yours. If you feel comfortable with your
photographer you will be more comfortable while your pictures are being taken
and the end result will be like you are a natural.
*How
much time do I need?
Ask yourself if you want pictures of you and the girls or you and the guys
getting ready, these can be fun shots. I recommend that you have your photographer
come a few moments before the dress goes on to get those finishing touches,
those last few moments with your mom or bridesmaids. You might want to have
complete coverage through the last guest but usually this is not necessary
unless you are having a grand exit. Our suggestion is through the cake cutting
at the very least.
*Are
there any hidden cost I should know about?
This depends on the photographer, these are the following questions that you
should ask your photographer: Are travel and travel expenses included? How
many locations are included in the package? If you need extra equipment how
much am I charged? (I need to explain this one, most photographers have standard
equipment, but for example if you want an image that requires a super-wide
lens the photographer might have to rent and pass the cost onto you.)
*Does
your photographer bring all standard equipment?
Standard equipment is different in every photographer's eyes. This is what
you want to make sure that your photographer has standard. Multiple cameras
lets face it we all want color and black & white film images of the ceremony,
one camera will not do for this. You also want to make sure that your photographer
has a back up of important images just in case a camera is malfunctioning.
One requirement that I have, and after talking to some brides realized, it
was not a requirement for some photographers is off camera lighting. Our version
of standard equipment includes the kitchen sink.
*What
about touch lighting situations?
Ask your photographer what they so for weddings that are held in dark places
or are at night? Ask them what kink of lighting they bring. Don't ever hire
a photographer that requires you to provide of camera lighting-they are not
a quality photographer. Inform any potential photographers of lighting concerns
during the interview process.
*Lets
talk digital, what do I need to know?
Digital is another format like 35mm and medium format. When talking to your
photographer about digital you want to make sure that your photographer is
not new to digital. Digital capture has requires special attention to create
a usable and beautiful image. Modern professional digital cameras with 10 megapixels
are capable large beautiful photographs.
*How
much should I spend?
Only you know your budget, here is where you ask yourself how important photography
is to you. I have had couples who have had very small weddings and they valued
there photography more than anything-the end result is a wedding that was
very small, simple with stunning photographs. On the flip side we have friends
that spent very little on photography and most of there budget on the reception
(we did not photograph their wedding); one friend has trouble looking at her
images years later. This does not mean you have to spend a ton of money on
photography, there are a lot of up and coming photographers that have some
experience photographing weddings that are very reasonable. What you want
is to look for a value. You want to look at the final product of other weddings,
ask to see complete albums, a proof album, etc. Quality is expensive but well
worth it.
